Cat Carriers are an essential item for any cat owner who wants to travel with their feline friend. Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a long-distance move, a cat carrier provides a safe and secure way to transport your cat. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cat carriers available and the key features to consider when choosing the right one for your cat.
When it comes to cat carriers, there are generally two types to choose from: hard-sided and soft-sided carriers. Hard-sided carriers are made from durable materials like plastic or metal, while soft-sided carriers are typically made from fabric or mesh. Both types of carriers have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
One critical thing to consider when choosing a cat carrier is the size. The carrier should be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If your cat is traveling a long distance, you may want to consider a carrier with additional features like a food and water dish or a removable litter tray.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various cat carriers to identify the ones that offer the best combination of safety, comfort, and convenience for both you and your cat. From airline-approved carriers to backpack-style carriers, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect cat carrier for you and your furry friend.
Overview
Best Cat Carriers
As cat owners, we understand the importance of having a reliable and comfortable carrier for our furry friends. Whether you’re taking your cat to the vet or traveling with them, a good carrier can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best cat carriers on the market. We’ve considered factors such as durability, comfort, and ease of use to bring you our top picks. Read on to find the perfect carrier for your feline companion.
CUSSIOU Collapsible Airline-Approved Pet Carrier for Small Dogs & Cats Under 15 lbs – With Reflective Strip Medium Pink
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cat carrier that is airline-approved, then the CUSSIOU Collapsible Airline-Approved Pet Carrier may be just what you need.
Pros
- The cat carrier is airline-approved, making it perfect for traveling with your furry friend on flights.
- The carrier is made of durable, lightweight, and waterproof polyester fabric, which makes it a safe and comfortable option for your pet.
- The carrier has a reflective strip design, making it safer to travel at night and you can take your pet anywhere, and let your pet and you have a wonderful and happy trip.
Cons
- The carrier is recommended for pets under 15 lbs, so it may not be suitable for larger cats.
- Some users may prefer a carrier with a hard shell for added protection.
- The carrier may not be suitable for pets who get anxious in enclosed spaces.
We recently used this carrier for a long road trip with our cat, and we were impressed with its durability and versatility. The carrier is made of high-quality materials that are both lightweight and waterproof, which made it easy to carry and clean. We also appreciated the carrier’s reflective strip design, which made it safer to travel at night.
One of the best things about this carrier is that it is airline-approved, so you can take your cat with you on flights without any issues. The carrier is also collapsible, which makes it easy to store when you’re not using it.
Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8″L x 15.0″W x 13.0″H Two-Door Top-Load 22.8″L x 15.0″W x 13.0″H
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly cat carrier that gets the job done, the Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is a solid choice.
Pros
- The two-door design allows for easy access to your cat from the front or the top.
- The carrier is made of durable plastic with steel wire doors, making it sturdy enough to withstand travel.
- The carrier is well-ventilated with plenty of air holes on the sides, top, and back.
Cons
- The carrier may not be suitable for larger cats or dogs over 20 pounds.
- Some users have reported that the carrier feels flimsy and may not hold up over time.
- The carrier can be difficult to assemble, with some users struggling to get the screws to line up properly.
Overall, we think the Amazon Basics 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is a good option for those on a budget who need a carrier for occasional trips to the vet or short car rides. While it may not be the most durable carrier on the market, it gets the job done and is well-ventilated to keep your cat comfortable during travel.
Vceoa Pet Carrier Soft-Sided Carriers for Cats Small Dogs 17.5″L x 11.0″W x 11.0″H XH
If you’re looking for a versatile and comfortable pet carrier for your furry friend, the Vceoa Pet Carrier is a great option.
Pros
- The carrier is airline approved and fits most under-seat dimensions, making it a great option for travel.
- The mesh windows provide ample ventilation and the top and side entry options make it easy to get your pet in and out.
- The carrier comes with a removable base insert and cozy fleece pet bed, ensuring your pet is comfortable during the journey.
Cons
- The carrier is recommended for pets up to 16 lbs, so it may not be suitable for larger cats or small dogs.
- The carrier is made of polyester, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- The carrier may not be suitable for pets who are anxious or don’t like confined spaces.
We recently used the Vceoa Pet Carrier for a road trip with our cat and were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and secure it was. The mesh windows provided ample ventilation and our cat was able to relax during the journey. The top and side entry options made it easy to get our cat in and out, and the locking zippers provided added safety. The adjustable shoulder strap was comfortable to wear and could also be used as a seatbelt, which was a nice feature.
The carrier comes with a removable base insert and cozy fleece pet bed, which our cat loved. The carrier itself is lightweight and easy to carry, but still felt sturdy and durable. We also appreciated that the carrier is airline approved and fits most under-seat dimensions, making it a great option for travel.
Overall, we highly recommend the Vceoa Pet Carrier for anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile carrier for their furry friend.
BurgeonNest Cat Carrier for Large Cats 20 lbs,Medium Cats Under 25 lbs,2 Cats and Small Dogs with Unique Side Bag,Top Load Pet Carrier Soft-Sided Escape Proof with 4 Ventilated Windows Medium Blue
If you’re looking for a soft-sided cat carrier that’s perfect for travel, the BurgeonNest Cat Carrier is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cat carrier is made of breathable fabric, making it comfortable for your furry friend to be inside for long periods of time.
- The carrier is also escape-proof, thanks to its against-slip zippers that keep your pet safe and secure.
- The carrier is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
Cons
- The zippers can be a bit difficult to pull, which can make it challenging to get your cat in and out of the carrier.
- The carrier is only suitable for cats under 20 pounds, so it may not be the best choice if you have a larger cat.
- The carrier doesn’t come with a shoulder strap, so you’ll need to carry it by hand.
Overall, we think the BurgeonNest Cat Carrier is a great choice for anyone who needs a soft-sided carrier for their cat. It’s comfortable, secure, and easy to transport, making it perfect for travel, vet visits, and other outings. Plus, the unique side bag is a fun and fashionable touch that sets it apart from other carriers on the market.
Petisfam Top Load Cat Carrier Bag
If you’re looking for a cat carrier that’s easy to load your pet into, has multiple access points, and is airline approved, then the Petisfam Top Load Cat Carrier Bag is a great option.
Pros
- The top load design makes it easy to get your cat in and out of the carrier.
- The carrier has multiple access points, including two side doors, which makes it easier to load your pet into the carrier.
- The carrier is airline approved and conforms to under-seat dimensions of most airlines.
Cons
- The carrier is recommended for a max load of 16 lbs, which may not be suitable for larger cats or small dogs.
- The bottom of the carrier is not leak-proof, which may be an issue if your pet has an accident.
- The carrier is made in China and may differ from local products in terms of fit, age ratings, and language of product labeling or instructions.
We recently used this carrier to transport our cat to the vet, and we found it to be very convenient and easy to use. The top load design allowed us to quickly load our cat into the carrier, and the multiple access points made it easy to get her out. The carrier also comes with luggage attachment and car seat belt straps, which made it easier to transport our cat by car.
The carrier is made of nylon and has metal escape-proof zippers, which gave us peace of mind that our cat would not be able to escape. The carrier also has a leash hook inside, which added an extra layer of security.
Overall, we would recommend the Petisfam Top Load Cat Carrier Bag to anyone looking for an easy-to-use carrier that is airline approved and has multiple access points. However, if you have a larger cat or small dog, you may want to consider a carrier with a higher weight limit.
Morpilot Portable Cat Carrier
If you’re looking for a cat carrier that is practical, portable, and easy to clean, the Morpilot Portable Cat Carrier might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The carrier is lightweight and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, making it easy to carry around.
- The breathable mesh on all three sides ensures that there is proper air circulation inside the carrier, keeping your pet comfortable and relaxed.
- The soft cushion inside the carrier is removable and can be washed by hand or machine, making it easy to clean.
Cons
- The carrier is only recommended for pets up to 15lbs, so if you have a larger cat, this carrier might not be suitable for you.
- The carrier doesn’t come with a lot of pockets or storage space, so you might need to carry an additional bag for your pet’s essentials.
- The carrier might not be as sturdy as some other carriers on the market, so you might need to be careful when handling it.
We recently purchased the Morpilot Portable Cat Carrier for our 12lb cat, and we were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use. The carrier is lightweight and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, which made it easy to carry around. The breathable mesh on all three sides of the carrier ensured that our cat had proper air circulation and was comfortable during our travels.
One of the things we loved about this carrier was how easy it was to clean. The soft cushion inside the carrier is removable and can be washed by hand or machine, which made it easy to keep the carrier looking and smelling fresh.
However, there were a few things we didn’t like about the carrier. The carrier is only recommended for pets up to 15lbs, so if you have a larger cat, this carrier might not be suitable for you. Additionally, the carrier doesn’t come with a lot of pockets or storage space, so you might need to carry an additional bag for your pet’s essentials. Finally, the carrier might not be as sturdy as some other carriers on the market, so you might need to be careful when handling it.
Overall, we would recommend the Morpilot Portable Cat Carrier to anyone looking for a practical and portable carrier that is easy to clean. However, if you have a larger cat or need more storage space, this carrier might not be the right choice for you.
PEGIC Extra Large Cat Carrier
If you’re looking for a spacious and sturdy cat carrier, the PEGIC Extra Large Cat Carrier is a great option.
Pros
- Setting up and folding down the carrier is easy and quick.
- The carrier is designed to be compact when folded, making it easy to store.
- The carrier has multiple safety features to keep your cat secure during travel.
Cons
- The carrier may be too large to fit under the seat on some airlines.
- The carrier may be too heavy to carry for extended periods of time.
- The included pad may not be thick enough for some cats.
We recently used this carrier for a road trip with our two cats, and it held up well. The carrier was easy to set up and collapse, and it didn’t take up too much space in the car. We appreciated the multiple safety features, including the seat belt buckle and locking zippers. Our cats had plenty of room to move around and the screened panels provided good ventilation.
One downside is that the carrier may be too large to fit under the seat on some airlines, so you’ll need to check with your airline before booking. Additionally, the carrier is quite heavy when fully loaded, so it may not be the best option if you need to carry it for extended periods of time. Finally, while the included pad is a nice touch, it may not be thick enough for some cats, so you may want to consider adding additional padding.
Overall, we would recommend the PEGIC Extra Large Cat Carrier for anyone looking for a spacious and secure carrier for their feline friends.
Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier
If you’re looking for a carrier that is both durable and comfortable for your pet, the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier is a great option.
Pros
- The airline-approved design allows you to take your pet with you wherever you go.
- The adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy to carry your pet hands-free, ensuring their safety and your convenience.
- The four-side mesh provides a safe and comfortable travel experience for your pet, while allowing you to easily check on them.
Cons
- The carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 15″ x 9″ x 9″, so it may not be suitable for larger pets.
- Some users have reported that the carrier is not as sturdy as they would like, particularly when carrying larger pets.
- The carrier may not be as easy to clean as some other options on the market.
We recently used the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier for a weekend trip with our cat, and we were very impressed with its performance. The carrier was easy to carry, and our cat seemed comfortable and secure throughout the journey. We particularly appreciated the adjustable shoulder strap, which made it easy to carry the carrier hands-free while navigating airports and other crowded areas.
One thing to note is that the carrier is designed for smaller pets, so if you have a larger cat or dog, you may need to look for a different option. Additionally, some users have reported that the carrier is not as sturdy as they would like, particularly when carrying larger pets. However, we did not experience any issues with the carrier during our trip.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Henkelion Cat, Dog Carrier to anyone looking for a durable and comfortable carrier for their pet. Its airline-approved design, adjustable shoulder strap, and four-side mesh make it a great option for travel, while its lightweight and foldable design make it easy to store when not in use.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a cat carrier, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you get the right product for your feline friend. Here are some features to look for when choosing a cat carrier:
Size and Comfort
The first thing to consider is the size of the carrier. It should be big enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The carrier should also have enough ventilation to ensure that your cat can breathe easily. Additionally, you want to make sure that the carrier is comfortable for your cat to sit in for extended periods of time.
Durability and Safety
The cat carrier should be made of sturdy materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel. The carrier should also have a secure latch or locking mechanism to prevent your cat from escaping. Additionally, you want to make sure that the carrier has a handle or strap for easy carrying.
Ease of Cleaning
You want to choose a cat carrier that is easy to clean. Look for carriers that have removable and washable pads or liners. This will make it easier to keep the carrier clean and fresh for your cat.
Style and Design
Cat carriers come in a variety of styles and designs. Some have a hard plastic shell, while others are made of soft materials. You may want to consider the style and design of the carrier based on your cat’s personality and preferences.
Price
Lastly, consider the price of the carrier. While you want to choose a carrier that meets all of your needs, you also want to make sure that it fits within your budget. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always mean better quality.
By considering these features, you can choose a cat carrier that is safe, comfortable, and convenient for both you and your feline friend.
